Rear curtain sync on D60?

[rampe]

I am using D60 now. I would like to use rear curtain sync on all pics I take with flash. I am a bit confused because the flash fires first on first curtain and again on rear curtain. This happens when I use C.Fn operation to sync only on rear curtain.

I did not bother to call local canon so I thought that maybe somebody of you know if this is possible and also answer how come the flash fires on both curtains?

BTW, I am reasonably happy with D60 compared to D30, but there is a long way to go to achieve a camera I would be totally happy with:(

[Rudi]

rampe,

this is only a guess, but I think what you're seeing is the preflash that the camera uses for flash metering. This preflash actually happens before the shutter opens, and the camera takes a reading. Then you trip the shutter and the flash goes off at the correct time...

Like I said, it's only a guess! In normal operation the preflash is so close to first-curtain sync flash, that it only appears to be the one flash. I am not really sure how it looks with second-curtain sync, I've never paid enough attention myself... :)

Hope this helps,

[rampe]

Hi Rudy!

I´ve got to check that option. It never came into my mind before.

Anyways I am surprised why don´t manufacturers use only rear curtain option when using flashes. I don´t see a reason to use first curtain on any case!?

[rampe]

Sorry... meant to say Rudi.

[Rudi]

rampe wrote:
Anyways I am surprised why don´t manufacturers use only rear curtain option when using flashes. I don´t see a reason to use first curtain on any case!?

You know, I've often wondered that myself...

[Kelvin]

This is what the Canon RAW Converter tells me for my flash pics:

Shutter curtain sync
1st-curtain sync

08:Shutter curtain sync
1:2nd-curtain sync

The CFn is set to be second curtain sync, but the camera always records that it used first curatin sync. This is onboard flash by the way. Maybe a firmware bug?

[boBquincy]

rampe wrote:
Anyways I am surprised why don´t manufacturers use only rear curtain option when using flashes. I don´t see a reason to use first curtain on any case!?


I took some photos of a nighttime parade using available light with flash. 1st curtain sync gave a sharp image with 'trails' coming from it. 2nd curtain sync gave trails with a sharp image at the end.
In this case I preferred the photos with 2nd curtain sync but in other cases (like faster moving subjects, maybe floodlit sporting events) I can see a preference for 1st curtain sync.

I am glad to have the option, my last camera did not give me the choice.


boB